For the first time in Russian - one of the best examples of the late work of an outstanding British writer, a recognized master of subtle psychologism, and a Booker Prize laureate. The action begins at a traditional Oxford ball; we get acquainted with the whole company of heroes at once, with their friendships and antipathies, loves and hates, with the passions that consume them. Many years ago, these Oxford alumni formed a kind of club (the Brotherhood) to support the most brilliant thinker among them, David Crimond, in the work of an epoch-making political-philosophical treatise (the Book). Years go by, there is no end in sight to the work, everyone is sick of Crimond and his ideas for a long time, but no one dares to say it to his face. Events take an unexpected turn when, at a ball, he takes away the wife of one of his benefactors - for the second time...

Gripping from the first to the last page, stimulating prose - and rewarding all efforts a hundredfold. The Times

Lovers of linguistic beauty, intricate plotting, and philosophical depths will find something for everyone in this book.Publishers Weekly

Iris Murdoch is one of the greatest and most influential creators of the twentieth century. She did not let the traditional novel die - and, keeping it alive, she revolutionized it. The Guardian

From political philosophy to betrayal and disaster, and then to peace and freedom - no one except Iris Murdoch could have done it masterfully lay out such a plot twist.Library Journal